Inside Firestorm at Virtual Ability Inc

Virtual AbilityOn Thursday March 28th, Virtual Ability Inc will be hosting a presentation by Ed Merryman and Lette Ponnier about the Firestorm viewer and project.

Entitled Overview of the Firestorm Viewer and Project, the presentation will take place in both voice and text, and will commence at 11:00 SLT at the Blue Orchid Cabana, Virtual Ability Island.

The promotional material for the presentation reads:

Learn about what makes the Firestorm Viewer and the project on the whole unique. We’ll discuss some of its most popular features and customizability options and cover how to find help and more information from our large and active support team and its resources.

The Presenters

Ed Merryman – Voice

Ed Merryman joined SL in September 2007. He is the Firestorm Support Team manager, and has led the team since the Firestorm Project was established in September 2010.  

Ed Merryman and Lette Ponnier - talking about Firestorm at Virtual Ability Island on Thursday March 28th, commencing at 11:00 SLT
Ed Merryman and Lette Ponnier – talking about Firestorm at Virtual Ability Island on Thursday March 28th, commencing at 11:00 SLT

Lette Ponnier – Text

Lette Ponnier has been involved in Second Life since early 2008. A keen member of SL’s small, but thriving, open chat trivia community, Lette has been an integral part of the Firestorm team since February 2011 where she head-up the English Language Support team. She also specialises in providing help to Firestorm Mac users.

As well as providing support to Firestorm users, both Lette and Ed are active teachers for the team, and present weekly classes about the viewer which are open to anyone to attend, no matter what level of experience they have with the Firestorm viewer.

So, if you’re curious as to why Firestorm is so popular among Second Life’s users, and / or about trying the viewer out for yourself, why not make a note to drop into Virtual Ability Island on Thursday March 28th?

Related Links

With thanks to Virtual Ability Inc.

SL10BCC: the Community Celebration is coming!

From the SL10B Community Celebration Event Team

SL10B-CC_WordPress

It’s that time of year when we celebrate the anniversary of Second Life – and this year, the tenth anniversary of the founding of Second Life, will be very special.

This year we will have 20 sims for builds and stages and fun and freebies, and we invite you to be part of the festivities.

The theme of the Celebration will be: Looking Forward, Looking Back.

Key Dates for Your Calendar

  • April 15 Volunteer/Performer, Exhibitor Applications open
  • May 20 Volunteer/Performer, Exhibitor Applications close
  • May 27 Sims open to builders
  • June 16 Grand Opening
  • June 23 Official Birthday day and final day of performances
  • June 29 Sims close to the public
  • July 1 All builds to be dismantled – sims go offline

SL10B-CC LOGO_1024x700Many of your classic favourites will be back. There will be a cake. There will be a main stage, and other stage venues. There will be gifts to take away – which may well include a (non-Linden) souvenir bear. There will be an auditorium for talks and presentations. And finally, there will be a time capsule into which you can put your past year’s best creations.

How YOU Can be a part of the Celebration

  • You can volunteer to create your own celebratory plot, as Exhibitors are invited to show off their community and its special nature to others
  • You might prefer to join the team of Hosts welcoming all the visitors and handing out gifts, helping find locations, mentoring any newcomers who might need extra help and making the party happen.
  • Maybe you’d rather join the rock concert atmosphere and be a Stage Manager or you are a DJ or Live Performer and would like to share your talent from one of our stages. Or perhaps you want to share your passion and knowledge as a Presenter through a lecture or roundtable discussion in our Auditorium.
  • Others of you might be interested in Security or Public Relations. We’re looking for your energetic participation in all of these roles.

You are invited to sign up for one or more of these areas (yes, you can volunteer for everything if you like). Orientation and Training will be provided for many of the roles. Expect that some time will be required prior to the event for that purpose.

Make Sure You Stay Informed

We also have an information group inworld – “The SLB Community” (without the “”)  it’s free to join so sign up inworld to hear announcements there before you hear them anywhere else.

SL10B on Designing Worlds 14:00 SLT, March 25th

You can see more information about the Community Celebration on the Designing Worlds TV show at 2pm SLT on Monday 25th March – watch it at: http://treet.tv/shows/designingworlds/episodes/sl10b-launch or http://youtu.be/POfi8sOZzvg (it will go live at 2pm SLT).

Meanwhile, the Boys in The Back Room are Already Planning…

Community Celebration coverage in this blog

A festival of tales, and stories from time and space

It’s another special week for storytelling in voice this week, both at the Seanchai Library SL and with Storyfest 2013, taking place on Sunday 24th March at Bran.

As always, all times SLT, and unless otherwise stated, events will be held on the Seanchai Library’s home on Imagination Island.

Sunday March 24th, 09:00-17:00: Storyfest 2013 at Bran

storyfest-3Storyfest 2013 arrives a Bran on Sunday, March 24th, and with it comes a host of storytellers with tales to delight and enthrall.

This year marks the third anniversary for this one-day event, presented by Branwen Arts and Stories Unlimited.

Feturing a host of stories from many of SL’s top Voice performers, Storyfest 2013 kicks-of at the Story Circle in Bran at 09:00, running through until 17:00 and includes a special performance of ACCEPT by the independent Ballet Company, staged at the Branwen Arts Center Theater with music and story on stream.

Find out more here, or by visiting the Storyfest SL blog.

Monday March 25th, 19:00: Reflections from the Golden Wheel

Join Caledonia Skytower, as she reads from her about-to-be-released RL publication, Reflections from The Golden Wheel.

Tuesday, March 26th, 19:00: Fairies! Fairies! Fairies with Faerie!!!

With Faerie Maven-Pralou.

Wednesday 27th March, 19:00: A Newbery Zoo

Martin Greenberg brings together a dozen stories by Newbery Award-winning authors.

Animals — enter their magic kingdom. From cuddly puppies to ferocious lions and every beast in between, children are forever drawn to animals and to stories about their adventures. And who better to tell these stories than authors who have won the John Newbery Medal for distinguished contributions to literature for children, as read by Gina Pralou-Maven.

Thursday March 28th, 19:00: Hilo Tales

TimegatesEdited by Gardner R. Dozois and Jack Dann, Timesgates is an anthology of twelve dimension-shattering tales of time travel.

Featuring John Varley, Ursula K. LeGuin, Joe Haldeman, Avram Davidson, Damon Knight, Nancy Kress, R.A. Lafferty, Jack McDevitt, Bridget McKenna, Richard McKenna, Charles Sheffield, and James Tiptree, Jr. These stories take readers from everyday reality into the infinite vistas of time and space — as far as the man can reach.

Join Shandon Loring as he brings these tales to life.

Please check with the Seanchai Library SL’s blog for updates and additions to the week’s schedule.

In March and April Seanchai are inviting library guests to join them in supporting their featured real world charity Project Children! Have questions? IM or notecard Caledonia Skytower.

Related Links

It’s a feast of stories at Storyfest!

storyfest-3Storyfest 2013 arrives a Bran on Sunday, March 24th, and with it comes a host of storytellers with tales to delight and enthrall.

This year marks the third anniversary for this one-day event, presented by Branwen Arts and Stories Unlimited.

“Stories help us feel connect and unique all at the same time.  They can provide both the questions you want, and the answers you seek,” Says Caledonia Skytower, one of the organisers of the event, “At their very core, they delight and inspire.  There’s a mushroom or a rustic bench waiting for you!”

The even will kick-off at the Story Circle in Bran at 09:00 SLT, and all donations made during the course of the day’s events will benefit War Child North America.

Event Schedule

Please refer to the Storyfests SL blog for any last-minute revisions. All times SLT.

09:00 – Lycanthia Wolfhunter

Lycanthia-WolfhunterLycanthia will be presenting her own original works, some of which may comprise Adult content.

“Once you have heard one of Lycanthia Wolfhunter’s original stories, you never quite forget it.  They are gruesome, sensual, and posses a righteous sense of justice that is delightfully unique. Today she will be presenting mixture of Gothic, humorous, and slightly off the wall erotica.”

10:00 – Dubhna Rhiadra & Caledonia Skytower

Dubhna-CaleDubhna and Cale present Granny Weatherwax ~ Equal Rites.

Terry Pratchett’s Discworld is soaked in magic – but even with magic there are rules. The most fundamental rule is that women can’t be wizards. They can be witches, but that’s different. When a dying wizard seeks out what he thinks is the birth of an eighth son of an eighth son to pass on his wizard’s staff, this rule is broken, and his staff passes to a girl, Eskarina. Granny Weatherwax has the job of helping her find her way in the world of magic.

11:00 – Em Jannings

Em-JanningsEm reads from James Joyce’s Araby &  Ernest Hemingway’s Soldier’s Home.

“Joyce’s Araby, written in 1914, immerses the reader  in the drab life that people live on North Richmond Street, which seems to be illuminated only by the verve and imagination of the children.  Even though the conditions of this neighborhood leave much to be desired, the children’s play is infused with their almost magical way of perceiving the world 

“In Soldier’s Home, Hemingway explores the experience of one veteran of WWI, returning to his Kansas home and trying to express himself to his friends and neighbors who are not of a mind to listen – even to the truth.”

11:30 Crap Mariner

CrapCrap brings us more of his fabulous 100-word stories.

“Long ago, he swore an oath to write a 100 word story every day until the day he died. He’s not dead yet.Always unpredictable and irreverent, no subject is too sacred, no cow too holy for Crap not to pull it out, examine it, and bang it on the table a few times before putting it back where he found it – albeit slightly crumpled.  He’s a man with a mission!”

Midday – Gyro Muggins

gyroMy Object All Sublime by Poul Anderson (as published in 1961 in Galaxy Magazine)

“Gyro once again brings us another gem from his vast collection of superb classic Science Fiction: One quiet night, two businessmen discuss crime and punishment, as it might have already occurred in some very far future.”

This reading should last approximately 30 minutes and will be followed by a 30-minute intermission.

13:00ACCEPT

Accept posterA special presentation of ACCEPT, by the independent Ballet Company, staged at the Branwen Arts Center Theater – Music and Story on Stream.

“In ACCEPT, four young women struggle with their sense of self and their place in the world around them.  They are united by one thing – their love of dance.  ACCEPT follows the journey of these young ladies as they are each uniquely challenged, and as they come together. They learn lessons of tolerance, compassion, and empathy as they come of age as dancers, and as women.”

14:00 – Lani/Kaikalani

laniLani presents Island Tales.

“Lani (Kaikilani) is a native Hawaiian Writer and Storyteller and was among the very first live presenter of stories in Second Life in her first avi, Lehua Lamington in 2005. She will present stories/chant/poetry which will include her native legends, and stories written by others and herself. Her rich voice adds depth and vibrancy to tales rich in her culture’s heritage and traditions.  She has traveled widely, bringing Story to many countries. There is always something new to discover with one of Lani’s stories … they find their way to your soul.”

15:00 – Freda Frostbite

FredaFreda read from her work in progress Adventures of a Fat Lady Who Sings

“Freda Frostbite is Stephanie Mesler in The solid world.  A life long person of size, she will read from her work in progress: Adventures of a Fat Lady Who Sings.   Ms. Mesler has no clue what this work will turn out to be, but the stories here have demanded to be told.  What can an author do but heed the inner voice?”

15:30 – BigRed Coyote

BigredBigRed brings us St Lucy’s School for Girls Raised by Wolves

“From a collection of short stories by author Karen Russell,  we are introduced to the ghostly and magical world of the Florida Everglades.  Here wolf-like girls are reformed nuns, a family makes their living wrestling alligators in a theme park, and little girls sail away on crab shells.

“Big Red presents the title story: The story of one class of wolf girls sent  by their parents to a school run by nuns.”

16:00 – Singh Albatros

singhSelected Original Works

“Join Singh for a feast of his best recent short international fiction from Britain, America, Europe, Asia and Australia. Some titles include:  The Upside Down Cartographer, Tea Cup, Loving the Mustard Goddess, The Boy Who Would be Bird, Welcome to Geekosity, Dinner Party Wars, Wordscape with Ganja, Letters to the Emperor, Heard it Through the Pumpkinvine, Singing the Black Dog, followed by The Nutmeg Saga, the poetic narrative of a lost Javanese king who returns to tell his story. Singh reads, sings, plays music and adds effects to lend more ambience to each unique tale.”

About Storyfest SL

StoryFest Events produces four annual festival events on the Second Life grid: StoryFest (March), Bard on the Virtual Beach (August), BOOFest (October), and recently debuted  The Dickens Project (December) in the hopes of making it an annual event.

ALL Presentations are Live in Voice, unless otherwise noted.

Related Links

SL Buddy Walk concert

SL-Buddy-Walk-basic-signThursday March 21st will see an all-day concert staged at the SL Buddy Walk 2013, which I previewed recently.

The live concert kicks-off at 14:00 SLT to mark World Down Syndrome Day, although there will be music from DJs throughout the morning and leading up to the concert itself, kicking off at 10:00 SLT.

All proceeds made during the concert via the donation boxes on and around the spectacular stage will go directly to the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).

Concert Schedule

  • 14:00: Tom 2.0
  • 15:00: CQ – Colorful Quiet
  • 16:00: Maximillion Kleene
  • 17:00: The Follow
  • 18:00: Porter Paquot
  • 19:00: Amforte Clarity
  • 20:00: Colt Shostakovich
  • 21:00: Noma Falta
  • 22:00: Edward Kyomoon
Early morning: the 2013 SL Buddy Walk dnace floors and stage beyond. The concert starts at 14:00 SLT on Thursday March 21st.
Early morning: the 2013 SL Buddy Walk dance floors and stage beyond. The concert starts at 14:00 SLT on Thursday March 21st.

DJs for the Rest of the Event

The current line-up of DJs and music entertainment for the rest of the event comprises (please check with the SL Buddy Walk blog for updates):

  • Thursday, March  21st:
    • 10:00 – midday: Meca4life
    • Midday – 14:00: Lette4life27
  • Friday, March 22nd:
    • 16:00 – 18:00: Willybenz
    • 18:00 – 20:00: Jennifer Lunz
    • 20:00 – 21:00: Kaleb Avedon
  • Saturday, March  23rd:
    • 14:00 – 16:00: Mystic Glenwalker
    • 18:00 – 20:00: Dalliah Love
    • 20:00 – 21:00: Michy Hendisson singing live
  • Tuesday, March 26th:
    • 16:00 – 17:00: Kakeb Avedon
  • Sunday March 31st:
    • 13:00 – 15:00: Nimeral Bearsfeet
    • 15:00 – 17:00: Kaleb Avedon

Also remember that the SL Buddy Walk fair continues through until March 31st, featuring a host of SL designers and creators, with all donates make via the donation boxes in the fair plazas going directly to the NDSS, as do the proceeds of sales from the special vendors creators have on display, with some creators donating up to 100% of all proceeds from their sales – look for the in-store signs.

One of the two fair plazas at the event
One of the two fair plazas at the event

Related Links

5th Annual SL Buddy Walk: supporting Down Syndrome awareness

SL-Buddy-Walk-basic-signSunday March 17th sees the launch of the fifth SL Buddy Walk in aid of Down Syndrome awareness and the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS).

First held in 2008, the SL Buddy Walk has become an annual event in the SL calendar, and has up until this year been a one-day event of music and fund-raising in aid of the NDSS. However, this year see the start of something a little different.

Running through until March 31st, and marking World Down Syndrome Day on March 21st, the SL Buddy Walk will once again feature a range of live entertainment and events, together with a chance to walk the SL Buddy Walk and learn more about Down Syndrome, the  work of the NDSS and raise money in support of the Society’s work.

The Buddy Walk fair - shops and carts and opportunities to donate to the work of the NDSS
The SL Buddy Walk 2013 fair – shops and carts and opportunities to donate to the work of the NDSS

The event kicks-off on the 17th March, with the start of a two-week fair featuring a host of SL designers and creators, hosted in a specially designed region sponsored by  Surreal Estates. All donations made during the fair will go directly to the National Down Syndrome Society, as will the proceeds of sales made through the special vendors displayed by by the participating creators and designers in their stores, with many creators opting to donate the proceeds of at least some, if not all, of their sales made through their fair stores  /carts to the NDSS, regardless as to whether or not the sales are made via the special vendors.

Then, on the 21st March, to mark World Down Syndrome Day itself, there will be an all-day concert which will include performances by Tom Q, Colorful Quiet, Maximillion Kleene, The Follow,  Porter Paquot, Noma Falta and Edward Kyomoon.  The music kicks-off at 14:00 SLT. Keep up-to-date with entertainment announcements through the SL Buddy Walk blog. Donations made to the on-stage donation boxes will again go to the NDSS at the conclusion of this year’s Buddy Walk.

SL Buddy Walk 2013 entertainment stage
SL Buddy Walk 2013 entertainment stage

In addition, visitors to the region will be able to visit informational kiosks and boards where they can understand more about Down Syndrome and the work of the NDSS. The region is beautifully landscaped, and also offers places to meet friends and sit and chat, as well the two main fair locations and the stage and walk.

The motivating power behind SL Buddy Walk is JL Zinner, who has brought together a talented team to organise and run the event in Second Life. Her dedication to the work of the NDSS and to Buddy Walk is prehaps best expressed through her inspirational video Brandon is My Firework.

Continue reading “5th Annual SL Buddy Walk: supporting Down Syndrome awareness”